Sade Still Captivates Concertgoers

The music of Sade is smooth, alluring and enchanting just as the band's lead singer, Helen "Sade" Adu. I went to a Sade concert in the mid-90s and enjoyed it but this time in Indianapolis was better. If I had only one word to describe it, I'd pick mesmerizing. Sade is someone who doesn't have great range as a vocalist and yet she is able to convey emotion in her songs effortlessly. She also isn't known for her skills as a dancer and yet concertgoers appeared hypnotized by her every move.


Music has changed tremendously in their absence, but the London-based Sade has stayed true to their roots. They performed songs from the older albums as well as the most recent release of all new songs, Soldier of Love. The show also featured the use of video and special effects, some with just the lead singer and others with her bandmates. Regarding her wardrobe, it was right on target....she went from a menswear black and white look with stiletto ankle boots to a white flowing dress with a red and pink bra as an accent. At the start of the concert, her raven hair was pulled back in the tight ponytail for which she is known, then set free later in loose cascading curls. She spoke only to introduce songs, express gratitude to the audience and introduce her companions on stage with a tidbit about each one. She concluded the segment with "this is us".

As the end of the concert neared and I peered out the suite window at the almost-capacity crowd, it occurred to me that Sade knows their brand and their audience. My expectations were high, but Sade exceeded them.